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METS AND KID FITNESS LAUNCH MULTIFACETED PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING
"KID FITNESS DAY AT SHEA" WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Mets and Kid Fitness Team Up to Combat Childhood Obesity
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., February 27, 2007 - The New York Mets and Kid Fitness, public television's award-winning health and fitness show for children, today announced a multifaceted partnership to fight childhood obesity with support of the "Kid Fitness for Schools" program and the launch of "Kid Fitness Education Day at Shea" on Wednesday, April 25.
The Mets and Kid Fitness will host school children from across New York City during an interactive pre-game fitness education program designed by Kid Fitness producers and fitness educators. Mets players, Kid Fitness characters, and Mr. Met will engage children in physical activities and emphasize the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition. "Kids Fitness Day" will begin at 11 a.m. prior to the Mets' 1:10 p.m. start against the Colorado Rockies.
"Kid Fitness Education Day at Shea" culminates the "Kid Fitness for Schools" program that launches this week in more than 9,750 elementary classrooms throughout New York City. This nationally available program, helping schools fulfill federally mandated wellness policies, is being delivered to all pre-K through 2nd grade classrooms throughout the 5 Burroughs, and includes a dynamic 7-minute 'Fun Fitness Break' activity routine which gets students physically active directly in the classroom. As defined by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, one in five kindergarten children in New York are obese.
"We are in a unique position as a professional sports team to reinforce the benefit of a healthy lifestyle," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. "Partnering with Kid Fitness advances that effort."
"The magnitude of the childhood obesity epidemic prompted the creation of our Kid Fitness television series and related programs," said Jon Reese, President and COO of Kid Fitness LLC. "Having the Mets partner with us on our New York City school initiatives, shows their shared passion in our mission to inspire children to lead healthier lives through physical activity and nutrition which we deliver in a fun, meaningful and entertaining way."
"We are pleased the Mets have taken an active role to support a fitness platform that includes 'Kid Fitness for Schools' program and the 'Kid Fitness Education Day at Shea'," said Lori Rose Benson, Director, Fitness and Physical Education, New York City Department of Education. "Having larger than life sports role models encouraging our students to become more physically active will undoubtedly have a very powerful effect."
Kid Fitness delivers a comprehensive program through its interactive public television series, website and school programs, all of which have a mission to engage, educate and inspire children to make healthy choices on their own regarding physical activity and nutrition at home, at school and at play. The live, interactive television series, for two to eight year olds, features a super health hero and his animal friends on a tropical jungle set. Shot in High Definition, each episode incorporates movement, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, original music and edu-adventure storylines designed to get children moving and developing healthy habits to help prevent sedentary lifestyles, obesity and health related issues. Kid Fitness programs are supported by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Thirteen new television episodes will be available to PBS stations nationwide through American Public Television (APT) beginning this April. To find out which cities have indicated interest to air these episodes, contact Tom Davison at: (617) 338-4455 (x160). For more on Kid Fitness, visit www.kidfitnesstv.com.
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For more information contact:
Jay Horwitz, Vice President, Media Relations
New York Mets
718-565-4330
jhorwitz@nymets.com
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For Kid Fitness:
Melisa Richter
Richter Strategic Communications
416-652-5592
melisa@richterpr.com
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